Ant Nest Beetle vs Ivory-Spotted Dung Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Ant Nest Beetle | Ivory-Spotted Dung Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Paussus favieri | Euoniticellus pallipes |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Carabidae | Scarabaeidae |
| Size | 5-8mm | 5-8 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Dung Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Africa | Africa, introduced to Australia |
| Conservation | Data Deficient | Least Concern |
Ant Nest Beetle
A bizarre reddish-brown beetle with swollen club-shaped antennae that lives inside ant nests. It mimics ant chemical signals to avoid detection.
Did You Know?
It secretes chemicals from its antennae that drug the ants into a stupor allowing it to freely eat their brood.
Ivory-Spotted Dung Beetle
A small, pale brown tunneling dung beetle with ivory-colored legs. Native to Africa, it has been introduced to several countries as a biological control agent. It is especially efficient in warm, dry climates.
Did You Know?
This tiny beetle can compete with much larger species by arriving first and tunneling quickly beneath fresh dung.